Perhaps now I can understand why Ramana loved monkeys so much. While reading a book recently (Aghora-III), I was repeatedly educated about
Anjaneya (aka Hanuman). Hanuman was born to a langur (a kind of monkey) who was a devotee of Shiva. Let me quote here:
He symbolises the pinnacle of bhakti, and is considered to be the eleventh Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva.
Hanuman is the epitome of wisdom, brahmacharya, bhakti (devotion/faith), valour, righteousness and strength. He is symbolized in Hinduism for his unwavering dedication to righteousness, unstinting performance of entrusted duties, and unfailing talents in serving his chosen master.
Monkeys have always been tolerated, nay revered, in India, as descendants of Hanuman. Hanuman is Shiva, and Hanuman represents bhakti. No wonder Bhagavan loved and respected them!
He is easily reachable — just by chanting the name 'Ram'. Conversely, it is also held that the easiest way to attain Lord Rama is to worship Hanuman — verse 33 of the Hanuman Chalisa begins, "Tumharae bhajan Ram ko paavae", which means "by singing hymns about You, Rama is reached".
